A shooting at Delaware County Linen in Chester, Pennsylvania, left two dead and three injured. The suspect, a disgruntled former employee, is in custody. Officials urge the community to stay strong as they navigate this tragic event.
Key Takeaways:
- Two fatalities and three injuries were reported after a workplace shooting at Delaware County Linen in Chester, Pennsylvania.
- The suspect, a former employee with prior conflicts, was apprehended by police shortly after the incident.
- Authorities and the community express their grief and call for prayers for the victims.
Delaware County Linen Shooting: 2 Dead, 3 Injured
In a shocking incident on Wednesday morning, a former employee opened fire at Delaware County Linen, a linen rental and laundry business in Chester, Pennsylvania.
The fatal shooting, which occurred around 8:30 a.m., resulted in the deaths of two people and injuries to three others.
Gunfire Inside and Outside Linen Shop Causes Chaos
Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer described the tragedy, stating, “A disgruntled employee has walked into a linen shop and shot five people, five co-workers. Two are deceased; three are at the hospital.”
Stollsteimer noted that the gunfire took place both inside and outside the business, causing widespread panic and chaos.
Police Quickly Arrest Suspect After Shooting
The shooter fled the scene but was quickly apprehended by police from the nearby Trainer Borough.
Chester Police Commissioner Steven Gretsky praised the officers’ quick action, saying, “The actor did attempt to flee, but they stopped him, and he is in custody.”
The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, had previous conflicts with colleagues but nothing that hinted at such violence.
Authorities are investigating the motive behind the shooting.
Heartbreaking Impact on the Community
Residents and officials expressed their grief and shock at the senseless violence.
Francisco Kenty, a Chester resident, described the chaos as he checked on his family members during the shooting. “I ran back inside. I was making sure my grandmother was alright,” he said.
Stollsteimer emphasized the tragedy’s impact, saying, “The people who are victims of this shooting today, they came to work to live the American dream. They came to work to work hard, play by the rules, and get ahead in their lives — and today, two of them are lying on the ground dead.”
Investigation & Community Response to Chester Shooting
The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.
City council members describe the community as tight-knit, and they are rallying to support the victims and their families.
The Chester Community Coalition is offering grief counseling and support for those affected.
Chester Mayor Stefan Roots stated, “Chester, Pennsylvania, never expected to be the epicenter of another episode of workplace violence.”
He highlighted the need for mental health support and the importance of addressing underlying issues that lead to such tragedies.
Delaware County Calls for Unity and Support
Delaware County authorities have asked for the community to pray for the injured and the families of the deceased.
“We will continue to do the work we do every single day to try to keep the community safe,” Stollsteimer said.
“This could happen in any community across America and increasingly does happen in all kinds of communities across America.”
The tragic event serves as a reminder of the potential for violence in the workplace and the need for continued efforts to ensure safety and support for all employees.
